The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has announced its intention to file a $1 million lawsuit against jazz musician Chuck Redd after he canceled his annual Christmas Eve concert. Redd's decision to withdraw from the performance came shortly after President Trump's name was added to the building's exterior, prompting criticism from the center's representatives.

In a statement, Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi characterized Redd's cancellation as detrimental to the arts, suggesting that artists should perform for all audiences regardless of political affiliations. Redd, known for his work as a drummer and vibraphonist, had hosted the center's Christmas Jazz Jam for many years. He explained to the Associated Press that the name change influenced his decision to cancel the concert.

Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell expressed disapproval of Redd's actions in a letter, labeling the cancellation a political maneuver and accusing Redd of succumbing to pressure from certain political factions. Grenell also stated on social media that the arts should be inclusive and criticized perceived boycotts against the center.

The name change, which now reads "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts," has sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers. Representative Joyce Beatty, a member of the Kennedy Center Board, has filed a lawsuit arguing that renaming the memorial requires congressional approval, seeking to invalidate the board's decision.

Redd has a long-standing association with the Smithsonian Institution, having served as an artist-in-residence at The Smithsonian Jazz Café. The Kennedy Center is part of this institution, which aims to promote cultural experiences that unite diverse audiences. The center's representatives maintain that it remains committed to presenting programming that resonates across political divides, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding its recent name change.